Do braces affect the way food tastes?

[uncdl]

Since I've gotten braces, I have noticed that food just doesn't have as much taste anymore. I can eat food and it seems like I am just chewing, it doesn't really have a flavor. Has anyone else had this problem? Is this normal?

[browneyedgrl]

I haven't had a problem with taste, my issue is that certain foods are just a chore to eat.

B

[BracedVeryLate]

I agree uncdl !!!
This has been my biggest problem with braces. I love love love to cook and eat a wide variety of foods, and going out to nice restaurants was one of my favorite things to do.

I too feel like I am just chewing food. It's no fun to eat. Just had a bowl of chocolate ice cream, and I have to say I couldn't completely taste it. I have no sinus problems or congestion or anything!! Vegetables seem the worst, I left my broccoli on my plate today, it was tasteless. I am putting so much more salt on my food. I never had a salt shaker on the table - but I do now.

Since taste buds are not only on the tongue, but on the roof of the mouth and throat, I think something has been impacted for me by the addition of braces. The food is not moving around in my mouth the same way.

Also, it's so rude -- but most times I have to chew with my mouth open (covered by my hand) so my lips don't stick to my powerchain, so I am not chewing normally and enjoying the food.

Thanks for posting this uncdl, I thought I was crazy.

[Whitters]

I haven't notice any change in the way my food tastes. However it is a bit uncomfortable to eat in public especially since I cannot bite into my food. So I rarely go out to eat .

Otherwise as I said, food tastes just as good as before

[purpleteeth]

I am not sure exactly about "altering" the taste off food, but I sure tend to taste food a lot longer (at least until I can brush and floss).

[chef]

As a chef I am grateful that braces do not change the taste of food. However, how you chew and move food around your mouth etc is affected by braces and that can affect the way you taste. You will adjust, especially if you are not afraid to show a little metal. But if you are always keeping your mouth closed and covering your teeth with your lips etc, you are distorting the pathways of taste. If you have a plate or expander appliance in the roof of your mouth, this may also inhibit how you taste until you have fully adjusted to it.

[lovelyleo]

I would say food still taste good to me. I just don't enjoy eating anymore bc if its not one thing or another i'm gonna have a probkem....I have found that carbs like breads and potatoes get stuck between my teeth. Veggies/fruits have to be cut small if their crunchy..lettece gets stucks easily too...I try to limit sugary food..meat maybe too tough depending on how its prepared..if all else I still have to brush after I eat so I don't eat as often as I used to before I had these braces because there is too much work involved which is now why I can fit my "skinny" jeans

[GiovanntiLawing]

I'm going to have to say no! Food still taste the same here. I wish I could eat it the same though

[shaolin]

I agree with the OP. I noticed it immediately and it has been the same ever since I've been braced, though it's obviously not the same for everyone and it IS very real for me.

I've explained it to myself in that I am far more sensitive to physical sensation in my mouth now - as a result of the braces rubbing against my lips when I eat. There seems to be a limit to how much sensation I can process coming from my mouth and the physical has taken over from the chemical (taste).

[braceface46]

Thank you for posting. Unfortunately I have had the same problem. As i sat eating my nearly tasteless dinner, I decided to google "do braces affect taste buds" and your posting showed up. I had braces put on a week ago and have been noticing that even foods that are usually delicious to me have been tasting really bland. I thought I might loose a couple of pounds because of it but have actually gained a few pounds because I keep trying to find something that tastes good! UGH, this doesn't make me happy. I can't imagine going another year or two like this and am really bummed. This had better be all worth it. sheeze. Anyway, thanks for answering my question.

[kennyandrew85]

No taste difference for me..

But...

There are certain foods I just don't enjoy eating as much as I used to...

[starfish88]

I havn't really noticed a difference in taste but I seem to have no control over where food goes in my mouth and I can't feel it as well! makes eating very messy! But I'm guessing it will get better.

[Angel269]

I havn't really noticed a difference in taste but I seem to have no control over where food goes in my mouth and I can't feel it as well! makes eating very messy! But I'm guessing it will get better

I second Starfish88!

Certain things, like I enjoyed chocolate and crisps, are such a chore to clean up as they are stuck round brackets etc I just can't be bothered with them anymore

[xanidu2012]

Im so glad some one posted this question. I eat but some times just for the sake of eating. Most foods taste the same others just a pain in the rear end to eat. But today I was eating some pretzels (I know) but I wanted them. The more I ate them they didn't taste like pretzels. They were very bland. I checked to make sure I had not picked up unsalted. My husband and son said the pretzels tasted fine to them it was just me.
Like posted taste buds not just on the tongue. I have buttons on the backs of my molar bands which my tongue has been scraping since day 1 of braces. Could they have damaged taste buds?
And I can only eat on one side because teeth have shifted on the other side so I end up biting my tongue.
Idk. What I do know is some food taste exactly like it's supposed to and others don't. The good thing is at least I know I'm not the only one with this question and I know I'm not

[yogapaws]

Not only is my taste affected but some food/drinks make my bracers feel like tight razor blades.